Processes and compositions for dyeing hair and similar fibres



United States Patent 3,194,734 PRGCESSES AND CGMPGSETKQNS FOR DYEING HAM AND SEMILAR FIBRES Iohn Robert Seemuiler, Paris, Roger Charle, Soisy-sous- Montmorency, and Charles Pigerol, Saint-Gum, France, assignors to Societe Anonyme dite: LOreal, Paris, France No Drawing. Filed June 1, 1961, Ser. No. 126,749 Claims priority, application France July 29, 1955, 8,544, Patent 1,133,594; June 3, 1960, 829,122, Patent 21 Claims. 0:. 167-88) This invention relates to a process and composition for tinting hair and other kenatinous materials. More in particular, this invention refers to the use of dihydroxy-5,6-indole, and its derivatives in the praparation of certain dyeing compositions.

This invention is a continuation-in-part of U3. application Serial No. 829,213, filed March 24, 1959 (now abandoned), which was a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 599,893, filed July 25, 1956 (now abandoned).

This invention is also an improvement over U.S. Patent No. 2,934,296, which discloses a process for tinting hair and other keratinous materials, using dihydroxy-5,6-indole in an acid solution, which is applied to the hair and then oxidized in order to fix the dihydroxy-5,6-indole.

It has heretofore been known that dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa), may be converted to a brown pigment by certain enzymes, such conversion taking place over a long period of time. This process is so slow that it is unsuitable for dyeing live human hair.

In the processes referred to above, whether carried out in one step or two, with a given concentration of dihydroxy-5,6-indole and a given concentration of an oxidizing agent, a deep color is obtained.

According to these processes, when it is desired to ob tain a lighter shade, it is necessary to either reduce the quantity of the dihydroxy-5,6-indole while maintaining the same concentration of oxidizing agent, or keep the same concentration of dihydroxy-5,6-indole, and considerably increase the coneentration of the oxidizing agent.

That is, the dihydroxy-5,6-indole normally produces a black or deep brown color, and when it is desired to obtain a lighter color, it is necessary to destroy by oxidation a portion of the pigments after they have been formed, thus lightening the color produced by the re mainder of the pigments. This destruction, which has a bleaching effect, takes place simultaneously with the dyeing.

It is thus necessary, in order to obtain a light shade, to first dye the hair black, and then partially bleach it. This involves tWo disadvantages, a waste of the dihydroxy-i-indole supplied at the beginning, and uneven results which are ditficult to predict by reason of the heterogenity of living hair and the difference in its aflinities for the dye which varies from one person to another.

Another disadvantage is the impossibility of knowing :the exact moment at which the formation of pigments stops and the bleaching, that is to say, the partial destruction of the pigment starts.

According to the present invention a process for dyeing human hair and other keratinous fibers comprises applying thereto an aqueous alkaline composition containing dihydroxy-5,6-indole and ammonia, an ammonium salt or an amine, allowing the hair or other keratinous fiber to remain in contact with the said composition until the desired shade is obtained and then rinsing the hair free of such composition.

It has now been found that certain methyl derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole when used in a concentration molecularly equivalent to that of dihydroxy-5,6-indole aiar sr Patented July 133, 1965 and applied in the same manner, permit lighter shades to be obtained. The use of methyl derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole thus has .the advantage that the lighter shades obtained do not result from the partial destruction of pigments which have already been formed, but, from the methyl derivatives of the d-ihydroXy-5,6-indole which are used.

It is an object of the present invention to use dihydroxy-5,6-indole and ammonia or ammonium salts or amines in dyeing live human hair.

Another object of this invention is to produce a hair dye, which contains at least one ingredient having the following general formula:

methyl-Z-dihydroxy-5,G-indole methyl-3-dihydroxy-5,G-ludole HO- CH3 HO- CHa CH dimethyl-Z,3dihydroxy-5,6-indole Ha trimethyl-l,2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-ind01e HO- -CH In the composition according to the invention, the said methyl derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole are prepared in an aqueous solution or in the form of a cream. The term aqueous solution herein designates any solution, the principal solvent of which is water. These solutions may comprise other solvents miscible in water, such as ethyil alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, glycols, esters of glycol, etc.

The invention also relates to a process for the dyeing of hair which is characterized by the fact that the hair is impregnated with a solution or a cream containing at least one derivative of dihydroxy-5,6-indole having the following formula:

in which R, R R designate hydrogen or a methyl radical, at least one of the three radicals R, R and R being other than hydrogen, and in which the color is developed by an oxidizing agent.

The concentrations of the said methyl derivative of dihydroxy-5, 6-indole, which are applied to the hair may vary within broad limits, but falls generally between 0.2% and 6% by weight of the solution and falls preferably between 0.5% and 3%.

Particularly suitable oxidizing agents include: hydrogen peroxide, odium brom-ate, sodium percarbonate, sodium persulf-ate, ammonium persulfate, etc.

This invention is directed to a new hair dye and to hair dyed with this new dye.

The process according to the invention may be carried out in various ways.

One method is carried out in two steps. The hair is first impregnated within an aqueous solution of one of said methyl derivatives of dihydroxy-io-indole, the pH of this solution being less than or equal to 7. After a brief drying with a towel, for example, the color is then developed in situ by a second step consisting of the application of an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing reagent.

When the pH of the oxidizing solution is greater than 7 the following may be used as oxidizing reagents: hydrogen peroxide, sodium bromate, sodium percarbonate, sodium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, etc.

In this case, the oxidizing agent is added at the time of use to an aqueous solution of a nitrogen containing base, such as ammonia or an organic amine. Among the most suitable organic amines, are mono-, di-, and triethanolamine and the methyl, dimethyl and diethylamines. base is preferably between 1% and 4% by weight of the total solution.

The ammonia or the organic bases may be used in the form of their salts, for example, as phosphates, carbonates, and bicarbonates.

When the pH of the oxidizing solution is less than 7, ammonium persulfate or sodium persulfate may be used.

In this case the persulfate selected may be added at the time of use to an aqueous solution of an organic acid, such. as lactic acid or monochloroacetic acid. The concentration of the organic acid should preferably be between 1% and 10% by weight.

The quantities of oxidizing agents used, whether in alkaline or acid solutions, range preferably between 0. 1% and 6% by weight of the total solution.

In the method of carrying out the invention, the second step may simply consist of oxidation by exposure to the air.

In the second single-step method of carrying out the invention, a solution containing one of the said methyl derivatives of dihydroxy-5-6-indole, is applied to the hair. This solution is at a pH equal to or greater than 7. This The concentration of the nitrogen containing solution, which is prepared, immediately before the application to the hair, results from the mixture of two solutions A and B, solution A containing a methylated derivative of dihydrox*-5,6-indole and solution B being an oxidizing solution.

Solution A is an aqueous solution containing as hereinbefore indicated, one of the methylated derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole, the pH of this solution being adjusted to be equal to or greater than 7. The pH is adjusted by adding an alkaline agent, while taking care to exclude the air, by operating in a nitrogen atmosphere. However, the addition of this alkaline agent may also be carried out in the presence of air, if there is added an organic or mineral reducing agent which retards the oxidizing action of the oxygen in the air.

The alkaline agents which may be used to regulate the pH are: ammonia, its salts, such as triammonium phosphate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, and a mixture of ammonium hydroxide and caustic soda, etc., organic amines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, methylamine, ethylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, etc.

The concentration of the alkaline agents, which is preferably between 1% and 1 5% by weight of the solution, is such that the pH is between 7 and 10.

When a mixture of ammonia or .ammoniacal salts with caustic soda is used, the quantity of soda should not exceed 5% of the quantity of ammonia, that is to say, it should constitute no more than 0.75% by weight of the total solution.

The reducing agents which may be used to prevent the premature oxidation of the methyl derivative of dihydroxy-5,6-indole may be carboxylic mercaptans, such as thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid, or mercapto alcohols, such as thioglycerol or even inorganic reducing agents, such as sodium sullite. Their concentration may vary between 0.1% and 1% of the total solution.

It has also been established that it is also desirable to add to the solutions of methylated derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole, a metal chel ating or sequesting agent, such for instance, as the acid ethylenediamine-N-dihydroxyethyl-N'-diaceti c acid of the formula:

the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid having the formula:

H0zC-CH3 CHI-005E N-CHz-CHrN HOzCOHg CHg-COzH the trisodium salt of N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine triacetic acid, cyclohexane 1,2-diamine N, N tetracetic acid having the formula:

N-CHT-COZH O a-C (ME A certain quantity of sodium chloride may advantageously be added to the aqueous solution of the methyl ated derivatives of hydroxy-5,6-ind-ole. The addition of this salt produces certain shades of greater intensities for a given concentration of the indole derivatives.

The B solution is an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent and may be selected from the group comprising hydrogen peroxide, sodium bromate, sodium percarbonate, sodium persulfate, etc. The concentration of these oxidizing agents may vary from 0.2% to 12% of the oxidizing solution.

In order to apply the dyeing solution, the solution is mixed at the time of use, volume for volume; the solution A of a methylated derivative of dihydroxy-5,6-indole and oxidizing agent B. The mixture is applied directly to the hair and left in contact with it for a variable time, not greater than an hour, the hair is rinsed, lightly shampooed to eliminate any excess dye, and dried.

Finally, the process'according to the invention may be carried out, not only by means of aqueous solutions, but also by means of creams. 'In this case, the methylated derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole are incorporated into a base consisting of a cream, which may have either an acid or alkaline pH. The hair may then be dyed in either one step or two.

When using the two-step process the hair is first impregnated with the cream at an acid pH. The cream is then removed by rinsing, and an oxidizingsolution, similar to the solution B, hereinbefore described, applied to the hair.

When the hair is dyed in a single step, the cream containing the methylated derivative of dihydroxy-5,6-indole is mixed immediately before application with an oxidizing solution of the type B, 'hereinbefore described, and the mixture is then applied to the hair.

Of course, it is also possible to obtain intermediate shades by mixing several of the diiferent methylated derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole. In this case the sum of the weight of the methylated derivatives of dihydroxy- 5,6-indole should not exceed 6% by weight of the solution.

When using dihydroxy-5,6-indole or its derivatives it is probable that the reaction proceeds through the formation of its orthoquinone derivatives, which are converted into pigments. It is thought that the pigments obtained are comparable to the natural melanic pigments existing in the hair, such as they are described in the literature (H. Weil-Malherbe, The Constitution of Melanin, Annual Review of Biochemistr vol. XVII 1948, pp. 7-8, Beer, Broadhurst and Robertson, Chemistry of the Melanins-Part V, Journal of the Chemical Society, 1954, pp. 19471953; Harold Burton, Some Aspects of the Oxidative Dyeing of Keratinous Proteins,

. Soap, Perfumery and Cosmetics (London) August 1952,

pages 834-836).

The invention will be better understood from the following examples, which are added by way of explanation and are not to limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 (a non-ionogen condensation product of ethylene oxide and a naphthol compound) gr 9 Monoethanolamine gr 2 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 This solution of 5,6-diacetoxyindole was prepared in water with heating at about 5060 C. until complete dissolution of the various ingredients. This temperature increase brings about the deacetylation and therefore the formation of the 5, 6-hydroxyindole.

This solution is applied cool to the hair for 20 minutes, and the hair is then rinsed with water to remove the excess solution. White hair is dyed a light ash blond shade. The solution thus prepared comprises no accelerating agent and may be applied several times in succession, thus causing a progressive darkening of the shade obtained.

EXAMPLE 2 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Ammonia (20%) gr 3 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 To 50 cc. of this solution there are added, immediately before use, 5 cc. of a 6 percent hydrogen peroxide solution, the mixture then being applied to the hair and al- To 50 cc. of this solution there is added, immediately before use, 1 gr. of ammonium persulfate as an oxidizing agent. The solution is applied to the hair and allowed to act for 20 minutes. An ash blond coloring is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Ammonia (20%) gr 3 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc To 50 cc. of this solution there is added, immediately before use, 0.1 gr. of cobalt chloride as an oxidation catalyst. The solution is applied to the hair and allowed to act for 20 minutes. A bluish-grey shade is obtained.

EXAMPLE 5 5,6 diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Ammonia (20%) gr 3 Trioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 To 50 cc. of this solution there is added at the time of use 0.1 gr. of manganese lactate (catalyst), whereafter the solution is applied to the hair, and allowed to act for 20 minutes. A bluish-grey shade is obtained.

EXAMPLE 6 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Acetone gr 20 Diethanolamine gr 2 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to the hair and allowed to act for 20 minutes. The hair is then rinsed and 50 cc. of a 1% cobalt chloride solution (serving as oxidation catalyst) is applied, and allowed to act for 5 minutes. The hair is rinsed and a very distinctive dark ash blond color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 7 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Ammonia (20%) gr 3 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 50 cc. of this solution are applied to the hair and allowed to act for 15 minutes. At the end of this period the hair is rinsed and 50 cc. of an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution equivalent to a 0.1 percent silver oxide content is appligd. A fine normal to dark chestnut shade is obtaine EXAMPLE 8 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Monoethanolamine gr 2 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 50 cc. of this solution are applied to the hair and allowed .to act for 15 minutes. At the endof this period, the hair is rinsed and 50 cc. of an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution equivalent to 0. 1 percent silver oxide content is applied. A fine reddish chestnut shade is obtained.

7 EXAMPLE 9 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Triammonium phosphate gr 4 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 50 cc. of this solution are applied to the hair and allowed to act for 20 minutes. The hair is thereafter rinsed and an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution equivalent to a 0.25 percent silver oxide content is applied. A dark gold blond shade is obtained.

EXAMPLE 10 5,6-diacetoxyindole gr 1 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Ammonium carbonate gr 4 Thioglycollic acid (50%) gr 0.1 Water to make cc 100 50 cc. of this solution are applied to the hair and A cream product is prepared by emulsifying 20.parts of glycol stearate in 80 parts of a solution containing the 5,6 diacetoxyindole, monoethanolarnine, thioglycollic acid and Ce-mulsol 132, as described in Example 8. This cream is brushed on the hair and allowed to act for about 20 minutes. The hair is then rinsed and 50 cc. of an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution equivalent to a 0.1 percent silver oxide content are applied. A rather distinguished golden chestnut shade is obtained.

EXAMPLE 12 A solution is prepared containing:

Methyl-Z-dihydroxy-S,6-indole gr 1 Ammonia (20%) gr 8 Thioglycollic acid gr 0.3 Ethylenediamine N-dihydroxyethyl-N'-diacetic acid (as sequestering agent) grN 0.2 Water to make cc 100 The pH of this solution is about 9.5.

The hair is impregnated with this solution, and after 10 to 30 minutes of impregnation the hair is rinsed. Then there is applied to the hair a solution containing, by Weight:

Hydrogen peroxide (20 volumes) (or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution) gr 2.5 Ammonia (20%) g1' 14 Nacl gr 3.5 Water to make cc 100 The hair is allowed to remain impregnated with this last solution during about 10 minutes. A reddish light brown shade is obtained.

The'presence of sodiumchloride is not indispensable in the second solution, butthere is found that the results are improved thereby.

Instead of impregnating separately and successively the hair with the aforementioned first solution containing the methyl-2-dihydroxy-5,6-indole and With the recited second oxidizing solution containing hydrogen peroxide, with an intermediate rinsing, both solutions may be mixed together and the resulting solution may be applied immediately to the hair. However, in this second application process in one step, the hair is dyed a less intense shade.

8 EXAMPLE *13 On the onehand a solution is prepared containing:

Methyl-3-dihydroxy-5;6-indole gr 4 Ammonia (20%) gr 24 Thioglycerol gr 0.5 sequestering or complexing agent gr 0.2 Water to make cc On the other hand a solution is prepared containing:

Hydrogen peroxide (20 volumes) (or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution) gr Water to make These two solutions are mixedand the resulting mix is applied to white hair. After 15 to 40 minutes the hair is dyed black shade with violet glints.

EXAMPLE 14 A solution is prepared containing:

Dimethyl-2,3-dihydroxy=5,6-indole gr 5 Ammonia (20%) gr 24 Sodium sulfite "gr-.. 0.2 Sequestering agent gr 0.2 Water to make cc 100 Another solution is prepared containing: 7 Hydrogen peroxide (20 volumes) (or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution) gr 50 Water to make cc 100 At the time of use equal volumes of the above-mentioned solutions are mixed. White hair impregnated with such mix is dyed more or less dark grey according to the duration of application (15 to 40 minutes) and the character of the hair.

EXAMPLE 15 A solution is preparedcontaining: Dimethyl-2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 4 Solution of methylamine (33%) gr l2 Complexing or sequestering agent of the recited type. gr 0.2 Water to make 100 Before the use this solution is mixed with a 1:1 volume ratio With an oxidizing solution containing:

Hydrogen peroxide (20 volumes) (or 6% hydrogen peroxide solution) gr Water to make Under the same application conditions as in the preceding example, Whitehair is dyed dark grey.

Said both solutions are mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1, immediately before applying the mix to the hair to be tinted. White hair impregnated with this freshly prepared mix is dyed medium .grayafter a duration which does not practically exceed 40 minutes.

n g p EXAMPLE 17 A first solution is prepared containing: Methy1-2-dihydroxy-5,6-indole "gr-.. 4 .Thiolactic acid gr" 1 Complexing orsequestering agentgr 0.2

9 A second solution is prepared containing:

Sodium percarbonate gr 8 Ammonia (20%) gr 12 Water to make cc 100 Immediately before the use equal volumes of these two solutions are mixed and hair to be dyed is impregnated with the resulting mix. White hair so impregnated is dyed dark blond shade within about 15 to 40 minutes.

EXAMPLE 18 A solution is prepared containing:

Dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 0.63 Cemulsol 132 gr 9 Thioglycollic acid (80%) gr 0.1 Ammonia (20%) -gr 3 Water to make cc 100 To 50 cc. of this solution there are added, immediately before use, cc. of a 6% hydrogen peroxide solution, the mixture then being applied to the hair and allowed to set on it for 20 minutes. The hair is dyed a very fine metallic grey shade.

EXAMPLE 19 In the two-step process using the methyl derivatives of dihydroxy-5,6-indole a solution is prepared having the following composition:

Methyl-1-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 1 Acetic I acid cc 1 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to the hair and remains in contact therewith for about 20 minutes, then there is applied the following solution:

Cc. Ammonium hydroxide (20%) 14 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) 2.5 Water to make This is left in contact with the hair for 20 minutes, rinsed, shampooed and rinsed the second time and dried. A deep brown chestnut shade with a greenish glint is obtained.

EXAMPLE 20 A solution is prepared containing the following ingredients:

Methyl-Z-dihydroxy-S,6-indole gr 1 Acetic acid cc 5 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to live grey hair, allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes, then there is applied a second solution having the same composition as the oxidizing solution called for in Example 19 and is applied in the same manner. A chestnut red shade is obtained.

EXAMPLE 21 A soltuion is prepared comprising:

Methyl-3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 1.2

Acetic acid cc 3 Water to make cr- 100 This solution is applied to grey hair, allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes, then there is applied the following solution:

Cc. Ammonium hydroxide (20%) 12 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) 4 Water to make 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes, the hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. This hair is dyed a very deep violet shade.

This solution is applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes, then a second solution is applied, which contains:

Cc. Ammonium hydroxide (20%) 8 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) 10 Water to make This second solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes, it is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and then dried. The hair has been dyed a clear ash blond.

EXAMPLE 23 The following solution is prepared:

Dimethyl-2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 1 Acetic acid cc 5 Butylglycol cc 15 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes, then the following solution is applied thereto:

Cc. Ammonium hydroxide (20%) 14 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) 3 Water to make 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes, then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. The hair is tinted a deep golden blond.

EXAMPLE 24 The following solution is prepared:

Dimethyl-1,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr .2 Butylglycol cc 10 Monochloracetic acid cc 7 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes. Then a sec ond solution is applied thereto having the following composition:

Cc. Ammonia (20%) 15 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) 5 Water to make 100 This solution is left in contact with the hair for 20 1 minutes and is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A clear ashy chestnut color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 25 The following solution is prepared:

Trimethyl-l,2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 0.8 Butylglycol cc 15 Acetic acid cc 2 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes.

The following solution is then applied thereto:

Oc. Ammonium hydroxide (20%) 7 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) 15 Water to make 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes. It is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. The 'hair is dyed a golden blond.

1 1 EXAMPLE 26 The following solution is prepared:

Dimethyl-l,3-dihydroXy-5,6-indole gr.. 1 Butylglycol cc 1O Acetic acid cc 5 Wat-er to make "cc" 100 This solution is applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes.

Then there is applied a second solution having the following composition:

Ammonia (20%) cc 14 Sodium percarbonate gr 0.8 Water to make cc 100 The second solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes. It is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. The hair is dyed an iron grey.

EXAMPLE 27 The following solution is prepared: Methyl-Z-dihydroxy-S,6-indole gr 1.3 Butylglycol cc Acetic acid cc 2 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 30 minutes with partial drying, then there is applied a second solution having the following composition:

Monomethylamine (33% solution) cc 10 Cernulsol No. 132 (naphthol oxyethylene) gr 9 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) cc 3 Water to make cc 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 30 minutes, it is rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A clear reddish chestnut color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 28 The following solution is prepared: Dimethyl-'2,3-dihydroXy-5,6-indole gr 1.4 Butylglycol cc '12 Lactic acid cc 3 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for minutes. The hair is then rinsed and a second solution is applied, comprising: Monoethanolamine -gr 3 Ammonium persulfate gr 0.5 Urea gr 7.5 Water to make cc 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes, then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A golden blond color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 29 The following solution is prepared: Dimethyl'2,3-dihydroXy-5,6-indole gr 1 Butylglycol cc 10 Lactic acid cc 7 Water to make cc 100 T his solution is applied to live white hair, is allowed to remain in contact therewith for 30 minutes. The hair is allowed to partially dry and then there is applied thereto to the following solution:

Diethylamine gr 4 Cemulsol No. 132 (naphthol oxyethylene) gr 10 Sodium percarbonate gr 0.8 Water to make cc 100 This solution'is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 30 minutes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. The hair is tinted a clear golden blond. 7 I

I EXAMPLE 30 The following solution is prepared: Methyl-3dihydroXy-5,6-indolc gr 2 Butylglycol cc 6 Lactic acid--- cc 5 Water to make Q cc This solution is applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 30 minutes. It is then rinsed and the second solution is'applied thereto, which comprises:

Monoethanolamine, gr 4 Urea V gr 9 Sodium b'romate gr 1 Water to make cc 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 30 minutes. It is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. The hair is tinted a grey color.

EXAMPLE 31 The following solution is prepared:

Dimethy1-2,B-dihydroXy iS-indole. -gr 0.6 Butylglycol cc 4 Dichloracetic acid "cc 1.5 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to live very'white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 30 minutes, and partially dried. Then there is applied a second solutlon comprising:

Ammonium persulfate gr 0.5 Dichloracetic acid gr 3 Water to make cc 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 30 minutes. Then it is rinsed, washed, rinsed the second time and dried. The hair is dyed a clear violine.

EXAMPLE 32 The following solution is prepared: 7 Methyl-l-dihydroXy-5,6-ind0le gr 1.2 Butylglycol cc 10 Lactic acid cc 0.5 Water to make cc 100 This solution is applied to White hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 30 minutes. It is then rinsed and a second solution applied thereto, comprising:

Ammonium persulfate gr 0.6 Lactic acid cc 5 Water to make cc 100 This solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 30 minutes. It is rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. The hair is dyed a clear ash chestnut.

These two solutions are mixed, volume per volume, immediately before application to the hair to be tinted.

13 White hair impregnated with these solutions is tinted a clear grey after about 4-0 minutes. The hair is washed, rinsed and dried.

EXAMPLE 34 Solution A comprises:

Methyl-2-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 4 Thioacetic acid gr 1 Ammonium hydroxide (20%) gr 12 sequestering agent gr 0.2 Water to make cc 100 Solution B comprises:

Sodium percarbonate gr 0.8 Water to make cc 100 Immediately before using equal volumes of the two solutions are mixed. This mixture is applied to the hair to be tinted and the same allowed to remain in contact therewith for to 40 minutes. The hair is rinsed, shampooed, rinsed a second time and dried. White hair is dyed a dark blond.

EXAMPLE 35 Solution A comprises:

Methyl-3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 2 Butylglycol gr 30 Thioglycollic acid gr 1 Ammonium hydroxide gr 20 Sodium chloride gr 6 sequestering agent gr 0.3 Water to make cc 100 Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 50 Water to make cc 100 Solutions A and B are mixed at the time of their application to the hair. This mixture is applied to white or a clear blond hair and is allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes. The hair is rinsed, washed, rinsed again and dried. A violine color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 36 Solution A comprises:

Methyl-3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole r 3 Butylglycol gr Thioglycollic acid gr 1 Sodium chloride r 6 sequestering agent gr 0.3 Ammonium carbonate gr 10 Water to make cc 100 Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 50 Water to make cc 100 Solutions A and B are mixed in equal volumes at the time of use. This mixture is applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 to 30 minutes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. An intermediate violet color is obtained.

14 Solutions A and B are mixed in equal volumes and then applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 30 minutes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A strong bluegrey color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 38 Solution A comprises:

Mcthyl-2-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 6 Butylglycol gr 30 Thioglycollic acid gr 1 Monoethanolamine gr 16 Sodium chloride gr 4 Sequestering agent gr 0.3 Water to make cc Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 60 Water to make cc 100 At the time of use equal volumes of Solutions A and B are mixed and then applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 minutes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A chestnut red color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 39 Solution A comprises:

Methyl-1-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 4 Butylglycol gr 30 Thioglycollic acid gr 1 Ammonium hydroxide (20%) gr 24 Sodium chloride gr 6 sequestering agent gr 0.4 Water to make cc 100 Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 30 Water to make cc" 100 Equal volumes of Solutions A and B are mixed at the time of use. This mixture is then applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 to 30 min utes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A very clear chestnut with a green glint is obtained.

EXAMPLE 40 Solution A comprises:

Dimethyl-1,2-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 4 Butylglycol gr 20 Thioglycollic acid gr 1 Ammonium hydroxide (20%) gr 24 Sodium chloride gr 6 Sequestering agent gr 0.4 Water to make cc 100 Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 30 Water to make cc 100 Equal volumes of Solutions A and B are mixed at the time of application. This mixture is applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 to 30 minutes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A golden blond color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 41 Solution A comprises: Dimethyl-1,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 6 Butylglycol gr 30 Thioglycollic acid gr I Ammonium hydroxide (20%) gr 24 Sodium chloride gr 6 sequestering agent gr 0.4

Water to make cc 100 15 Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr .30 Water to make cc 100 Equal volumes of the two solutions are mixed at the time they are to be used. This mixture is applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 to 30 minutes. The hair is rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A blond color is obtained.

EXAMPLE 42 Solution A comprises:

Trimethyl-1,2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 6 Butylglycol "gr" 30 Thioglycollic acid gr 1 Ammonium hydroxide (20%) gr 24 Sodium chloride gr 6 sequestering agent gr 0.4 Water to make cc 100 Solution B comprises:

Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 30 Water to make cc 100 Equal volumes of the two solutions are mixed just prior to use. The mixture is then applied to white hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 to 30 minutes. The hair is rinsed, shampooed, rinsed the second time and dried. A strong blond color is obtained.

The application in the form of a cream EXAMPLE 43 An acid tinctorial cream is prepared, which comprises:

Coconut fatty acid amides gr 15 Beeswax gr Dimethyl-2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 1 Acetic acid gr 1 Water to make cc 100 The amide and the beeswax are thoroughly mixed and then there is introduced a solution of dimethyl2,3-dihydroxy-5,6-indole dissolved in hot water and the acetic acid.' This cream, after cooling is applied directly on the hair to be tinted and maintained in contact therewith for 20 minutes. The hair is then rinsed. It is dried with a towel and then a second solution is applied. This solution comprises:

Ammonium hydroxide (20%) gr l4 Hydrogen peroxide (6%) gr 2.5 Water to make cc 100 The second solution is allowed to remain in contact with the hair for 20 minutes. The hair is rinsed, shampooed, rinsed again and dried. The hair is tinted a blond color.

EXAMPLE 44 An acid cream is prepared as in the preceding example which comprises:

Coconut fatty acid amides gr 15 Beeswax gr 5 Methyl-1-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 0.5 Methyl-Z-dihydroxy-5,6-indole gr 0.5 Acetic acid gr 1 Water to make cc 100 l d EXAMPLE 45 An alkaline cream is prepared,comprising:

and the oxidizing solution are mixed so as to obtain a homogeneous mixture. This is then applied to grey hair and allowed to remain in contact therewith for 20 to 30 minutes. The hair is then rinsed, shampooed, rinsed a second time and dried. The hair is dyed a blond rose.

What is claimed is: a

1. A process for dyeinghuman hair which comprises applying thereto an aqueous alkaline composition containing a compound represented by the formula in which R, R and R are selected from the group consisting of H and CH at least one of these radicals being CH and a nitrogeneous substance selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts and amines; and applying thereto in a second step an aqueous solution of a water soluble synthetic inorganic oxidizing agent; and allowing said composition to remain in contact with said hair. until the desired shade is obtained.

2. A process for dyeing human hair which comprises saturating the fibrous material with an aqueous alkaline composition containing dihydroxy- 5,6-indole and a nitrogeneous substance selected from. the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts and amines; and a sufiicient amount of a water soluble syntheticinorganic oxidizing agent; and allowing said composition to remain in contact with said. hair until a desired shade is obtained.

3. A process for dyeing human hair which comprises applying thereto in a first step an aqueous alkaline composition containing a compound represented by the formula in which R, R and R are selected from the group consisting of H and CH at least one of these radicals being CH and a nitrogeneous substance selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts and amines; rinsing said hair and applying thereto in a second step an ammoniacal silver nitrate solution.

4. A process for dyeing human hair which comprises saturating in a first step the fibrous material with an aqueous alkaline composition containing dihydroxy-5,6-indole and a nitrogeneous substance selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts and amines; rinsing said fibrous material; and applying thereto in a second step an alkaline solution of a synthetic inorganic oxidizing agent.

5. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidizing agent is added at the time of use to the oxidative dye substance.

6. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidizing agent is applied to the hair after the hair has been impregnated with the oxidative dye substance.

7. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is methyl-1 dihydr0xy-5,6-indole.

8. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is methyl-2 dihydroXy-5,6-indole.

9. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is methyl-3 dihydroxy-5,6-indole.

10. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is dimethyl-1,2 dihydroXy-5,6-ind0le.

11. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is dirnethyl-1,3 dihydroXy-5,6-indole.

12. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in Which the oxidative dye substance is dimethyl-2,3 dihydroxy-5,6-indole.

13. A process according to claim 1 for dyeing human hair in which the oXidative dye substance is trimethyl- 1,2,3 d ihydroxy-5,6-indole.

14. A product suitable for dyeing live human hair by an oxidative process which comprises a water soluble solution of dihydroXy-5,6-indole having the formula in which R, R and R are selected from the group consisting of H and CH at least one of these radicals being 1% CH and the pH value of said solution being at least 7; and a nitrogeneous substance selected from the group consisting of ammonia, ammonium salts and amines; and a sufiicient amount of a water soluble oxidizing agent.

15. A product as claimed in claim 14 suitable for dyeing live human hair, in which the oxidative dye substance is methyl-1 dihydroxy-5,6-indole.

16. A product as claimed in claim 14 suitable for dyeing live human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is methyl-2 dihydroXy-5,6-indole.

17. A product as claimed in claim 14 suitable for dyeing live human hair in which the oxidative dye substance is methyl-3 dihydroXy-5,6-indole.

18. A product as claimed in claim 14 suitable for dyeing live human hair in which the oxidative dye substance References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/51 Peck 16788 X OTHER REFERENCES Beer et al., J. of Chem. Soc., 1954, pp. 1947-1953.

Burton, J. S., Dyers and Colorists, vol. 66, September 1950, pp. 4748.

Moncrieif, Manufacturing Chemist, 21:8, August 1950, pp. 330-4.

JULIAN S. LEVITT, Primary Examiner.

MORRIS O. WOLK, Examiner. 

1. A PROCESS FOR DYEING HUMAN HAIR WHICH COMPRISES APPLYING THERETO AN AQUEOUS ALKALINE COMPOSITION CONTAINING A COMPOUND REPRESENTED BY THE FORMULA 